GUWAHATI: As the Assam government embarks on the ambitious project of constructing one of the longest elevated corridors in the Northeast region, residents in the areas of Noonmati and Dighalipukhuri are expressing their frustration and concerns about the impending disruptions and changes to their daily lives.
The proposed elevated corridor, stretching from Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati, aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the region. However, the road ahead appears to be fraught with challenges for the local populace.
Residents in Noonmati are torn between the necessity of the elevated corridor and the inconveniences it may bring.
Speaking to G Plus, a resident of Noonmati said, “There will be fewer traffic jams if the corridor crosses through Assam Jatiya Bidyalay. However, the construction process will undoubtedly pose difficulties for the people. It's a complex situation that leaves us wondering about the best course of action.”
The sentiment of public suffering due to the construction work is echoed by the words of another resident from Dighalipukhuri. "The construction is projected to span for at least 3-4 years if not more. This means prolonged inconvenience for the public," the resident stated.
One of the chief concerns raised is the potential demolition of numerous shops and businesses in the vicinity.
"We run a shop here. Once the bridge is constructed, our business will be adversely affected. It might even force us to shut down," a shopkeeper in Dighalipukhuri told G Plus.
The Assam government's decision to construct the elevated corridor was announced after a cabinet meeting held in Jorhat on December 15, 2022. This sprawling infrastructure project, stretching over 5.5 km, has been allocated a budget of ₹689.98 crore. The construction work was slated to commence at the beginning of August this year.
Earlier, speaking to G Plus, an official from the Public Works Department (PWD) stated, "The elevated corridor, one of the longest in the Northeast, aims to enhance connectivity and ease traffic congestion in the region."
According to the initial design, vehicles travelling towards Noonmati will ascend the corridor from the eastern end of Dighalipukhuri, while vehicles from the Noonmati side will descend near Handique College on the west bank of Dighalipukhuri.
A source in PWD, while talking to G Plus, said, "The residents may feel that the process of constructing elevated corridor may be chaotic but once it is completed, people will save a lot of time."
The source further added, "During construction, a special traffic management strategy will be worked out so that people do not face any problems."
As the project progresses, it remains to be seen how these challenges will be addressed and whether the benefits of the corridor will ultimately outweigh the temporary inconveniences faced by the residents of Noonmati and Dighalipukhuri.